Joint Service Commendation - Military Medals

Joint Service Commendation Medal and Ribbon

History - Established 1963

Established on June 25, 1963, the Joint Service Achievement Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who carry out exceptional service or achievement on behalf of designated organizations including the Defense Agencies, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Headquarters of Unified Commands, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense; it may not be awarded for an act receiving another Commendation Medal and may be granted for service dating back to January 1, 1965.

Details

The medal is in the shape of a bound wreath and features an eagle grasping three arrows below thirteen gold stars and against a green background of conjoined hexagons. The reverse features a space on which to engrave the name of the recipient, text reading “FOR MILITARY MERIT,” and a laurel sprig. The ribbon features four thin vertical white stripes alternating with two thinner green ones and a slightly thicker green one in the center; it also features blue edging.

The award may be issued with oak leaf clusters or the “V” device for valor in combat.